Max Scherzer

Image of Max Scherzer
Image of Player Max Scherzer

Player Information

Maxwell Martin Scherzer, nicknamed 'Mad Max', is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Scherzer has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams, such as the Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers, before finding notable success with the Washington Nationals, where he won the World Series in 2019. Known for his exceptional strikeout ability, he is a multiple-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner, celebrated for his competitive spirit and significant contributions to the game.
Birthdate:
27 July 1984
Full Name:
Maxwell Martin Scherzer
Birthplace:
Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
Nationality:
American
Residence:
McLean, Virginia, USA
Gender:
Male
Parents:
Brad Scherzer (Father), Jan (Shirck) Scherzer (Mother)
Status:
Married
Partner:
Erica May
Education:
Parkway Central High School (High School), University of Missouri (College)
Career Started:
2008
Notable Achievements:
8× All-Star (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021), 2× World Series champion (2019, 2023), 3× Cy Young Award (2013, 2016, 2017)
Current Team:
Toronto Blue Jays
Contract:
Contract Year 2025 to 2025, Salary $15,500,000 USD
Draft Year:
2006
Drafted By:
Arizona Diamondbacks
Previous Teams:
Arizona Diamondbacks (From 2008, To 2009), Detroit Tigers (From 2010, To 2014), Washington Nationals (From 2015, To 2021), Los Angeles Dodgers (From 2021, To 2021), New York Mets (From 2022, To 2023), Texas Rangers (From 2023, To 2024), Toronto Blue Jays (From 2025, To Present)
Player Active:
From - 2008, To - Present

Maxwell Martin Scherzer Bio

Maxwell Martin Scherzer, nicknamed ‘Mad Max’, is an American professional baseball pitcher currently signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. Born on July 27, 1984, in Chesterfield, Missouri, Scherzer has established himself as one of the most accomplished pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Over his career, he has played for several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers. Known for his exceptional strikeout ability, Scherzer is an eight-time All-Star and a three-time Cy Young Award winner, celebrated for his competitive spirit and significant contributions to the game.

Early Life and Background

Max Scherzer was born and raised in Chesterfield, Missouri, where he grew up a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He played multiple sports during his youth, including baseball, football, and basketball, at Parkway Central High School. Scherzer’s competitive nature was evident from a young age, and he was influenced by his high school coaches, particularly basketball coach Rick Kirby, who emphasized the importance of fundamentals. Despite being selected in the 43rd round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the Cardinals, Scherzer opted to attend the University of Missouri instead of signing.

Path to Baseball

At the University of Missouri, Scherzer honed his pitching skills and made a name for himself. His coach, Tony Vitello, helped him refine his pitching mechanics, leading to a successful sophomore season with a 1.86 earned run average (ERA) and 131 strikeouts. After his college career, Scherzer was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 11th overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft, making him the first player from Missouri to be drafted in the first round. He began his professional career in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system, quickly proving his potential.

Maxwell Martin Scherzer Career

Early Career (2008–2009)

Scherzer made his MLB debut on April 29, 2008, with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he showcased his talent by striking out seven batters in 4.1 innings of relief. He became a full-time starter in 2009, recording his first major league victory during that season. Scherzer’s impressive performances led to a trade to the Detroit Tigers in December 2009, where he continued to develop into a top-tier pitcher.

Breakthrough (2010–2014)

During his time with the Detroit Tigers, Scherzer transformed into an ace, winning the American League Cy Young Award in 2013. He played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ success, contributing to four consecutive AL Central titles and their 2012 AL pennant. Scherzer’s strikeout ability became legendary, as he recorded 20 strikeouts in a single game against the Detroit Tigers in 2016, tying the MLB record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game.

Notable Works and Milestones

Scherzer’s signature work includes his two no-hitters in 2015, one of which featured a career-high 17 strikeouts. He became the first pitcher to record multiple no-hitters in a single season, solidifying his place in baseball history.

Maxwell Martin Scherzer Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Scherzer has received numerous award nominations, including multiple selections for the All-Star Game and the prestigious Cy Young Award.

Maxwell Martin Scherzer Awards Won

Scherzer has won several major awards, including:

Award Wins Year
Cy Young Award 3 2013, 2016, 2017
World Series Champion 2 2019, 2023
All-Star 8 2013–2019, 2021

Maxwell Martin Scherzer Family

Max Scherzer is married to Erica May, whom he met at the University of Missouri. The couple has four children together: two daughters born in 2017 and 2019, a son born in 2021, and another daughter born in 2023. The Scherzer family resides in McLean, Virginia.

Personal Life

Scherzer is known for his philanthropic efforts, including partnerships with various charities and initiatives aimed at helping those in need. He has also been open about his personal struggles, dedicating every start to his late brother, Alex, who passed away in 2012. Scherzer’s commitment to both his family and community reflects his character both on and off the field.